Charlemagne

Holy Roman Emperor

Medieval influential 56 sayings

Sayings by Charlemagne

He who fears God fears nothing else.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting his deep religious conviction.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We have much to learn from the ancients, for their wisdom is a treasure.

c. 790 — Reflecting his promotion of classical learning during the Carolingian Renaissance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let no man despise his neighbor, for all are created in the image of God.

c. 790 — From a capitulary or other official pronouncement, promoting Christian charity.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sword and the cross are two sides of the same coin.

c. 800 — A more provocative statement, reflecting the intertwined nature of his military conquests and Christ…
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, a common proverb, but applied to his efforts to bring enlightenment.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let justice be done, though the heavens fall.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting a strong commitment to justice.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest glory of a king is to be a father to his people.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, emphasizing the paternalistic role of a monarch.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us not forget our history, for it teaches us wisdom.

c. 790 — Reflecting his interest in preserving and studying historical texts.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am but a humble servant of God, striving to do His will.

c. 800 — From a letter or official statement, expressing his piety and humility.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, a more poetic and aspirational statement.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A good ruler seeks the counsel of the wise.

c. 790 — Reflecting his practice of surrounding himself with scholars and advisors.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us build churches and monasteries, for they are the bulwarks of our faith.

c. 780 — From a capitulary or other official pronouncement, promoting religious construction.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The path to glory is often paved with sacrifice.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting the realities of his reign.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

He who does not work, neither shall he eat.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting a strong work ethic.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us administer justice with fairness and impartiality.

c. 790 — From a capitulary, emphasizing judicial reform.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The heart of a king should be filled with love for his people.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting an idealized view of kingship.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us cultivate the arts and sciences, for they adorn the mind.

c. 790 — Reflecting his patronage of the Carolingian Renaissance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest empire is built on the foundation of faith.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting the religious underpinnings of his empire.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I would rather have a book than a sword, if I had to choose.

c. 790 — A surprising statement for a warrior king, emphasizing his love of learning.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us not be slothful in our duties, for idleness is the enemy of the soul.

c. 790 — From a capitulary or other official pronouncement, promoting diligence.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable